By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Tension is mounting across Ondo State as the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure has fixed June 4, 2025, for its much-anticipated judgment on petitions challenging the outcome of the November 16, 2024, governorship election.
The tribunal, headed by Justice Benson Ogbu, made the announcement during its sitting on Saturday after parties in the case adopted their final written addresses. Other members of the panel include Justices Daurabu Sikkam and Imelda Etiape.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was declared the winner of the contentious poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), having defeated Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and 14 other candidates. However, the PDP and other political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), rejected the result and proceeded to the tribunal.
During Saturday’s proceedings, the petitioners urged the tribunal to nullify the election, citing widespread irregularities and substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
Counsel to the PDP, Bankole Akomolafe, said the issuance of a certificate of return to Aiyedatiwa was “a grave injustice to the people of Ondo State,” insisting that the process was flawed and should not stand.
“We have demonstrated before this tribunal that the election was not conducted in line with the law. We urge the panel to do justice and restore the people’s mandate,” Akomolafe told reporters after the session.
Adewole Adebayo, presidential candidate of the SDP and legal representative for his party’s candidate, also demanded that the tribunal void the results, alleging massive manipulation during the election.
On the other side, the respondents, including Governor Aiyedatiwa, his deputy Olayide Adelami, INEC, and others, represented by a high-profile legal team led by Wole Olanipekun and Tayo Oyetibo, urged the tribunal to dismiss the petitions as baseless.
“There is no credible evidence before the tribunal to justify the claims made by the petitioners,” Olanipekun said. “No witnesses, no proof—just allegations without substance.”
As the June 4 judgment day draws closer, all eyes are now on the panel’s final decision, which could either uphold Aiyedatiwa’s victory or alter the political landscape of Ondo State.